Learn the art of grafting and the theory behind the craft through a series of practical demonstrations, then have a go at grafting yourself, being guided through the process as you graft two apple varieties onto rootstocks to plant in your own garden.
RHS fruit specialist, Jim Arbury, will support you throughout to use grafting tools and equipment safely and confidently and will talk you through the after-care and maintenance required to help your new trees have the best start.
This workshop will take place in the Peter Buckley Learning Centre. Prior to the workshop, you might like to visit Rosemoor's Heritage Orchard to see the collection of Devon and Cornwall varieties growing there. These have been selected, grafted and planted at RHS Rosemoor in order to protect them from becoming extinct.
Tutor: Jim Arbury is part of the Curatorial Team, at RHS Wisley. He has a vast knowledge and experience of fruit growing, including grafting and budding fruit trees for the RHS Garden Rosemoor's fruit collections and identifying varieties for the RHS Fruit Identification service. Jim Arbury is a well-known face around the RHS, passionate about fruit and passing on his decades of experience – show him an apple and he’ll often tell you what cultivar it is from memory. In his spare time, you’ll find him tending one of three allotments, kitted up in a beekeepers suit at the hives, or running along the lanes and footpaths of Surrey.
- Location and arrival information: The workshop will take place mostly in the Peter Buckley Learning Centre, with some time also spent visiting the Houseplant Event to see the range of houseplants on display to inspire your painting. Please allow 15 minutes to park in the main visitor car park, enter the garden and get to the Learning Centre.
- Catering: Tea / coffee and biscuits will be available in the classroom at the start of the session. You are welcome to visit the onsite catering before or after your workshop. Full details of the available outlets and what they offer are on the RHS Rosemoor Food and Drink page of the RHS website.
- For this workshop you will need:
- Your booking reference number to show to the team at the Garden Entrance.
- A notebook and pencil to make notes.
- Camera (or mobile phone for photos)
- Clothing suitable for being outdoors, appropriate to weather on the day.
- Closed-toed shoes (not flip-flops or sandals)
Skill Level: Upskiller – I have mastered the basics of gardening and would like to build my horticultural knowledge and skills.
Tutor: Jim Arbury (RHS Fruit Specialist)
